Autocephalous Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus v. Goldberg and Feldman Fine Arts, Inc.: A Case for the Use of Civil Remedies in Effecting the Return of Stolen Art

• NCJ Number: 128535
• Journal: Dickinson Journal of International Law Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: (Spring 1990) Pages: 441-464
• Author(s): M Van Pelt
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 24 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Best Practice/State-of-the-Art Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The case, Autocephalous v. Goldberg, 717 F. Supp. 1374 (S.D. Ind. 1989), stands as an example to future victims of art theft and subsequent purchasers of stolen art.

Abstract

In recent years, the record number of paintings and other works of art that have been stolen have reached critical levels. Last year alone, there were over 5,000 pieces of stolen art reported to the International Foundation for Art Research. To add to the difficulty of recording the total amount of stolen art, only about 30 percent of the objects stolen have been actually photographed, making a positive identification of the object, if found, almost possible. In light of the recent decision of Autocephalous v. Goldberg, civil sanctions are the best means to effect the return of stolen art as well as to help deter future buyers of stolen art, thus shrinking the stolen art market. The fear of having art, purchased at considerable cost, returned to the country from which it was stolen would certainly make a buyer examine all pertinent documents. 202 notes